AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Homologous structures are similar physical features in organisms that share a common ancestor, but the features serve completely different functions. An example of homologous structures are the limbs of humans, cats, whales, and bats.

Detailed explanation-2: -Homologous structures are structures that are similar in related organisms because they were inherited from a common ancestor. These structures may or may not hav e the same function in the descendants. Figure below shows the hands of several different mammals. They all have the same basic pattern of bones.

Detailed explanation-3: -Homologous organs are organs which have similar functions but different origins. The vestigial organs no longer have a purpose in the current form of an organism of the given species.

Detailed explanation-4: -Homologous structures If two or more species share a unique physical trait they may all have inherited this trait from a common ancestor. Traits that are shared due to common ancestry are homologous structures. The similar bone arrangement of the human, bird, and whale forelimb is a structural homology.